Frugal Family

Frugal Family: The Frugal Thanksgiving

Tips and sales to help you plan for the big feast.

It’s that time of year…the Thursday we’ve all been waiting for is starting to draw near. Diets go by the wayside, and budgets fly out the window. Only at Thanksgiving does it seem perfectly normal to have four desserts and 15 side dishes atop the groaning table, and the cost can be staggering. So, in preparation for the Black Friday sales, I offer my take on the “Black Thursday” Budget Thanksgiving.

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Frugal Family

Frugal Family: Using Smart Phones to Save Big

Using price checker and coupon apps are the latest trend in saving money and time while shopping.

People are relying on their cell phones more and more these days. In addition to phone calls, text messages, and emailing, cell phones can now do everything from games, maps and navigation, streaming movies, and surfing the Internet.  Why not use it for couponing and price checking, as well? Here’s a quick list of some of the most popular apps available for Android and iPhone in the world of shopping and saving. 1. Barcode Scanner – free for Android This app allows users to scan UPCs and QR codes and then use Google’s product search to check prices, user reviews, and more. It’s billed as a very straightforward app that doesn’t feature bells and whistles, but gets the job done. 2. Consumer Reports Mobile Shopper 2012 - $4.99, available for …

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Frugal Family

Frugal Family: Planning Your Family Budget

Which method do you use for managing your money?

In today’s complicated world, it’s often not enough to do something…everyone wants to know which “method” you’ve chosen. Pregnant women are asked which childbirth method they’re planning to use. Parents are asked which sleep training method they’re using and what their parenting style is. Businessmen and women are asked which management strategies they employ. Homes often follow a certain “period” or style. It’s no longer enough to just find something you like and go with it. Now everyone needs a blueprint to follow, it seems. Finances are no different. Do an internet search on “budgeting” or “family finances” or “debt reduction,” and you’ll find hundreds of plans, strategies, and books on how to handle your situation. The start of the …

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Frugal Family: Shopping After-Christmas Sales

For those who haven't shopped enough already, here's the rundown.

I’d like to start this week’s column by saying that I hope those of you who celebrate Christmas had a very merry one, indeed. For me, it came a little quickly this year, and it’s hard to believe it’s already over. But, time rolls on, and to the Frugal Family crowd, it’s time to snatch up those post-holiday deals. Here’s the rundown: Target’s weekly ad features electronics and storage solutions, primarily. They are offering a free $75 Target gift card with the purchase of a PS3 or Xbox 360 bundle ($299.99), as well as a $50 coupon toward any digital camera when you trade in your old one. Plastic storage bins (including wreath boxes, gift wrap boxes, and ornament boxes) are $7, with several other sizes and prices available. Click on the link…

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Lisa Kuebler

12:56 am on Friday, December 30, 2011

We're doing the same thing!   more ›

Frugal Family: Deals and Discounts on Holiday Events

Many Atlanta traditions can be experienced either free or at discounted rates, if you know where to look.

Now that Thanksgiving is behind us, it seems that the city of Atlanta is plowing full-steam ahead into Christmas and all of the season's events and traditions.  Here are a few discounts and ideas for free outings this year. The Macy’s Pink Pig: Riding Priscilla the Pig has been a holiday tradition in Atlanta for over 50 years. The ride, which takes place in the white tent in the Macy’s parking deck at Lenox Square, runs through Jan. 1 (closed Christmas Day).  A portion of the proceeds benefit Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta. Cost: $3 a ride, with combo tickets available (two rides for $5.50 and three rides for $7.50). Another beloved holiday tradition in Atlanta is the Nutcracker ballet at the Fox Theatre. Six shows are being offered at a…

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Frugal Family

Frugal Family: Deals and Freebies for You

This week's column highlights deals and steals on books, restaurants, and more.

Now that Halloween is over, many are skipping right over Thanksgiving and moving on to Christmas. To start planning your cookie swap, Amazon.com is offering the Cookie Swap book free for Kindles. No Kindle? You can also read it on your PC, iPhone, iPad, Blackberry, or Android. Just make sure to download the correct free application. Keep an eye on your cart, too. As of Monday, this special was going on, but Amazon tends to change their prices frequently. So, what’s free today may be back to $2.99 by the end of the week. Speaking of books, were you a Borders fan who now feels a little lost? Enter the Barnes & Noble website via the old Borders link, and you’ll be offered a free two-month trial period in Barnes & Noble’s loyalty program, …

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Frugal Family: Fall Fun Edition

Details and pricing (along with some discounts) on corn mazes, ghost tours, and more!

When fall comes around each year, many families make an annual trip to the pumpkin patch to pick out a jack o’lantern, get lost in the corn maze, and enjoy other fall activities. Here are prices and specials for a few nearby. Washington Farms, 5671 Hog Mountain Road, Watkinsville. (706) 769-0627 One admission ticket includes all activities, including the corn maze, jumping pillows, hayrides, vortex tunnel, petting zoo, one shot each for the corn and pumpkin cannons, and one ride on the cow train, as well as slides, play areas, and viewing of the pig and duck races. Additional shots on the vegetable cannons and the cow train rides can be purchased separately. Pumpkins can be chosen from the patch for $.045 pound. Admission prices -  Under 2…

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Frugal Family

Frugal Family: Free Activities at Disney World

My top five activities won't cost you a dime.

Free? Disney World? Whoever heard of such a thing? With three-day weekends scheduled in the next several months in both DeKalb and Gwinnett County Schools, families will take trips to Disney World. It takes planning and plenty of cold hard cash. But while Disney has the reputation of being an expensive destination, once you get there you'll find events and activities that are absolutely free. You just need to know where to look. Here are my top five: 1) Chip and Dale’s campfire sing-along at Fort Wilderness. If you’re staying on Disney property, you can take their free transportation out to the campgrounds, but if not, just drive to the gate and tell them you’re there for the campfire. Feel free to bring your own marshmallows and sticks, …

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Frugal Family

Frugal Family: Ways to Save on Halloween

Spooktacular costumes without gIving your budget a fright.

It’s almost that time of year again. With Halloween just a month away, many are already planning their costumes, and they can get expensive quickly. Here are a few tips on saving money for Fright Night. - Buy used. Many Halloween costumes are up on auction and swap sites this time of year, and most are in great condition. Most second-hand adult and teen costumes will only have light wear. Kids’ costumes can be almost new or almost shredded, depending on whether they were used for one night of trick or treating or daily dress up for years, but they’re worth a look for sure. Don’t wait too late or the best picks will be gone.  - On that same note, why not sell off some of your old costumes and make a little money for this year’s? Ebay and …

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Frugal Family

Frugal Family: Entertainment on the Cheap

Three great deals on entertainment the whole family can enjoy.

I’ve found three great deals on entertainment in the Atlanta area this week. Puppets, Jousting, and Movies…there’s a little something for everyone.  The Center for Puppetry Arts 1404 Spring Street NW, Atlanta, GA 30309 404-873-3391 The Center for Puppetry Arts is celebrating their 33rd anniversary this month, and they’re giving you 33% off ticket prices. Click here to buy two tickets and get one free for your choice of show between now and the end of October (included productions are “The Ugly Duckling,” “Old Man and the Monkeys and Other Chinese Tales,” “La Cucarachita Martina,” and “The Headless Horseman of Silly Hollow”). Member price for three tickets with this deal is $18.50; non-member price is $33. Included with your ticket is …

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Jennifer Burrell

1:15 pm on Tuesday, September 20, 2011

One of the many things I love about the Center for Puppetry Arts is the fact that there is free parking right outside the facility. I've never been unable to find a parking spot, and when you have kids in tow, it's nice to know you won't need to walk several blocks to get to and from your car. Thanks for posting this deal, Lisa! I hope we can take advantage of it.   more ›